Sititi: 'I would have been happy with one game for the Chiefs'

SPOTLIGHT: After being nominated for the Breakthrough Player of the Year World Rugby Award, Wallace Sititi said his family had kept him grounded in a big first year.

This year was not what Wallace Sititi expected when setting out.

“I would have been happy with one game for the Chiefs.”

His family has kept him grounded, and he is moving forward.

“There’s still a lot of room for improvement, like there always is and you can see from the weekend that sometimes our best isn’t good enough. So, we’ve got to keep moving forward, work with the coaches, who have been amazing, and see where we end up.”

The All Blacks, who suffered an agonising 30-29 loss to France at the Stade de France last weekend, felt they were not clinical enough in Paris. While that had been a common theme this year, they felt they were heading in the right direction and making strides.

“I guess it just didn’t click on the day and sometimes we’ll have those kind of games.”

Sititi said there have been plenty of lessons to absorb.

“I’ve learnt a lot but the big one is being able to win moments. One little error can cost you the game, and if you’re not fully present in that moment, the momentum of the game can switch just like that. It’s just about staying on, and being present, at every moment.”

He is looking forward to being able to recharge but also putting in work ahead of the Super Rugby season to be ready for the quality of opposition that will be involved.

“It’s just about trying to be my best consistently, and at a high level, and being able to do it again.”

With additional reporting by @allblacks